May 4, 2017

Sea Change: Cuba with Courtney Conlogue

On a journey to understand surfing’s place in Cuban culture
and the discovery of empowered young women trying to find their voice, World
Tour surfer Courtney Conlogue immersed herself in the stories of its people.
What she discovered was a revolution, a culture of pioneering surfers patching
together boards from refrigerator insulation and boat resin, determined to
pursue their sport despite their limitations.

Like their musical counterparts, female surfers are empowering
themselves through their creative outlets, finding their voices on the stage,
the studio and the waves. WSL and Billabong are joining forces with World Tour
surfer Courtney Conlogue on her mission to become a catalyst for surf culture
in Cuba and support the progression of the sport. By helping to establish and
equip local surf clubs, we believe surfing will have a lasting and positive
impact on its communities. And that is music to our ears.

Cuba cruisin' with Courtney Conlogue.

Fascinated about the culture of Cuba & curious about the state of surfing there, Courtney immersed herself in the colorful city.

She wanted to see and learn, to immerse herself in the culture.

Not knowing what to expect, she said "yes" to everything.

Courtney Conlogue carefree in Cuba.

Courtney deeply wanted to understand surfing's place in Cuba.

Live music all over the streets of Cuba allowed Courtney to dance through the coastal city.

Warm spirits and good vibes all around. The joy and pride of the people in Cuba is contagious.